Prototype & Proto-Man
Tiffany Diane | Fashion,General,Shopping,Topics | Wednesday August 25 2010Prototype Vintage has been a popular S. Congress vintage retail fixture for nearly four years now. Recently, the business owning trio, Audrie San Miguel, Sarah Evans and Emily Larson, have expanded their men’s clothing section into an entire store — Proto-Man. The three can owe their success in Austin retail to the popularity of unique and vintage fashion in Austin, but ultimately, it is the way they run their business that keeps the company successful in these trifling economic times.
Audrie San Miguel, Emily Larson and Sarah Evans
Prototype also puts on an annual fashion show, Fashion Freakout, which has quickly become one of Austin’s most beloved fashion events. The women integrate rock and roll with fashion, fun with shopping, and that is their key to success. I was able to catch up with the ladies for a quick interview, all three — because Prototype is truly defined by all three: Evans, Larson and San Miguel.
Prototype has definitely been a vintage fixture in Austin for a while now. What do you feel like you owe your success to?
Sarah: I think there are many elements to our success. Our merchandising and hard work are definitely key, but we’re also a great team, each of us bringing our own creativity and style in to the mix.
Emily: We strive to offer a shopping experience that is totally unique. Both stores are meticulously merchandised in an inviting way to emulate a 1960′s department store, streamlined and vibrantly color coded. We live by our tag line of “all killer no filler” offering kickass one of a kind vintage pieces that look current in any wardrobe.
Audrie: Before we opened Prototype, I was a vendor at Room Service Vintage for seven years, so my knowledge of running a small business in the retro resale world came from my days spent there. So at this point, Prototype has eleven years of experience in hunting, pricing, styling, merchandising and selling vintage goods. Over the years, we have made customer service and selling top notch vintage a priority, and whether you are a regular customer or a first timer, we offer a shopping experience unlike any other. A helpful staff, an unmatched selection, uncluttered merchandising, and adapting to the always changing needs of the customers have kept our business successful!
There have been a lot of changes to the store since its opening. What has inspired all of these changes?
Sarah: Keeping up with the times. We have to be willing to change and adapt to what our customers want and what they are searching for. We always want to keep things fresh and exciting.
Emily: When Prototype first opened nearly 4 years ago, we were vintage a home decor store that sold some highlight vintage clothing. Over the years, we have now evolved into a vintage clothing store that sells highlight vintage home decor. It’s really about paying attention to our customers needs that has made us the store or “stores” we are today!
Audrie: We are always looking to improve on our business plan and retail space, so over the years we have worked hard to make our store the best it can possibly be. We have invested in renovations, business tools to illustrate Prototype’s most popular items, and additional retail space as it has become available. We realize how lucky we are to be in the popular South Congress shopping district and try to give the people what they want! A successful business evolves as the economic climate and trends change. Our customers were spending on clothing more than home decor, so we altered our approach to account for this change. As we provided more and more clothing, we got a strong response from people. While we still carry an awesome selection of vintage furniture, art and lighting, our collection of vintage apparel for men and women continues to be our most popular seller.
What made your decision to foray into men’s vintage fashion?
Sarah: Men like to look good too! We’ve always carried men’s clothing, but our male customers wanted more of a selection! We listened, and now they have their own store!
Emily: When we really took a look at the amount of men’s clothing we were selling out of just a tiny sliver of our flagship store, it made sense to listen to all the dapper dudes that frequent our shop. There are only a few places that cater to the needs of a sharp-dressed man, and we are proud to be among them!
Audrie: As we crunched numbers, we discovered that men accounted for a huge part of our revenue. Once again, we wanted to give the people what they want, and as additional retail space became available, we decided to provide more apparel for the Proto-Man!
What are some of your favorite pieces in the stores right now?
Sarah: There is a gorgeous tan, super soft leather over sized handbag that is begging to come home with me. I’m a sucker for t-shirts, and oh man, we just put out a super rad Star Trek t-shirt that I want so bad!
Emily: Two of my faves — an amazing purple python clutch and a wicked cool vintage Guns & Roses thinned out concert tee!
Audrie: Right now I’m obsessing on a 1970′s Coach cross-body bag that is made of the softest leather! I’m also loving our current selection of printed slip dresses that work for day or night.
What is your favorite thing about selling/buying vintage clothing?
Sarah: The thrill of the hunt, for sure. We have such a blast finding these treasures!
Emily: I am so grateful every day that I get to treasure hunt with my two best friends. It’s so exciting and fun rooting around and rescuing one of a kind vintage pieces from the past. It’s rewarding and awesome when a customer scores something at Prototype they love or have been searching for that you found; it makes all the hard work worth it and so much fun.
Audrie: I love being a vintage huntress, digging for hidden treasure and bringing new life to forgotten pieces. I love reflecting on trendsetting pieces from the past, thinking back to the culture of the time, from art and music, to television and film. There is a certain nostalgia attached to highlight pieces from the past. It’s also inspiring to sell garments that are pretty much one of a kind. There is very little chance of someone wearing the same vintage piece, so sporting Proto-Vintage ensures having a unique wardrobe that fits in with trends of today but are a reminder of the past.
Photo by Briana Purser
